Off to a Rough Start
After our funds had been depleted with the purchase of the site and cost of infrastructure, during 1996 – 1997 we saw quite a change in our fortunes. Firstly we received £10,000 from Malvern Hills District Council plus a magnificent legacy of £13,000, then the new Mayor of Worcester chose us as his Charity of the Year from which we received £7,000 and a firm of Worcester Solicitors gave us £1,000 raised from sponsored events.
Unfortunately before 1997 was out, our site was invaded by travellers who used bolt croppers to gain access through our security gate. They stayed for two weeks and we were powerless to move them on. Eventually we had to get a Court Order to have them evicted; this involved legal fees plus a bill for cleaning up the mess they left behind; we also then had the cost of erecting extra secure fencing.
Fundraising continued in earnest, however it seemed that being able to build kennels, accommodation for the Manager together with an office space and eventually open our doors to the public was getting harder to achieve. The plan was to have the Shelter for all animals, however, as dogs were likely to be the most frequent residents we drew up plans with them in mind.